Faist Invests and Expands

By Peter Bauer (Editor in Chief Mittelschwäbische Nachrichten)

A smile breaks out on his face. „The economic crisis has provided us with an opportunity to profit when the recovery takes place.  Now is the time for innovation”, states Managing Director, Wilhelm Braun.
 
In the middle of the economic crisis, Faist Anlagenbau of Niederraunau has set specific goals for investment.  There are plans for building a new “metal center” and a new steel manufacturing plant together costing around three million Euro.  These investments will enable, according to Braun, among other capabilities, the production of noise control panels up to 6 meters in length.  Faist Anlagenbau in addition to its other areas of expertise is specialized in noise control for power plants and printing installations.  Faist would like to further expand in the area of road traffic.  Faist also has plans to establish a new training center.  Costs will run around 400,000 Euro.

Over the years, Faist Anlagenbau has gained the reputation as a signature firm in the area and has steadily expanded its facilities.  But Faist has also not been spared during the crisis.  As a precautionary measure work hours were reduced.  However, this was only necessary in a few number of cases (3 to 4 workers) in the administration. Braun (52) expects that 2010 will again be a „difficult year. “   But after that a recovery should be possible.  For this reason Faist wants to be ready.  The construction of the new training center is planned to begin in March. 

The former Holzmann-Building will be renovated for this purpose.  An important part of the training center will be a machine shop.  Also planned is a “Faist Shop” offering articles such as “logo” caps and gloves for the employees.  Braun expects that the new training center will be in operation by September 1 when the new apprentices are hired.  The center will have the name “Face” (Faist Ausbildungs- Center).  The construction of the metal center and steel manufacturing plant should begin in April or May and be completed by 2011.

A further and comprehensive investment is planned:  the expansion of the powder coating installation.  In conjunction with this is the goal is to become accredited with the GSP rating for the production of facades.  Planned costs:  approximately three million Euro.  The secret of the success of Faist is seen by many to lie in their diversification.  Noise control, acoustic test stands or wind tunnels:  Faist is specialized in many areas and has market presence worldwide.  

Just recently announced by Braun is the establishment of a joint venture in Beijing/China for sales and project planning.  Faist would also like to become more active in the Japanese market, especially in the area of acoustic measuring rooms for the automobile industry.  In the aerospace industry, Faist delivered two test cells for jet engine testing in the value of 350,000 Euro.  A contract for aerospace:  that seems to be symbolic in these times.  At Faist there is the hope that after the crisis, things will really “take off”.

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